What are the risks of a woman using men's Rogaine? (photo)

I am a 22 year old female and the hair on my head is rapidly falling out. You can clearly see my scalp throughout the top. I saw my dermatologist and she recommended I use the men's rogaine solution. I am concerned that it will not work for me and that I risk loosing more hair (Which i can not afford). I am very concerned and this situation is detrimental to my self esteem. Please help. I feel stuck and confused.

Doctor Answers 1

Risks of Rogaine

It is important to know that the 5% Rogaine is not formally FDA approved for women. Women can use the 5% as an off label use and it is commonly used by women around the world.

Studies have shown that use of 5 % foam once daily is equivalent to twice daily - so I advise once daily.

Rogaine does not help all women but does help a significant proportion of women with the early stages of genetic hair loss. Side effects include :

Increased hair shedding in the first 3 to 7 weeks after starting. Women who experience this should continue use despite the temporary shedding

Headaches (rare)

Dizziness (rare)

Heart Palpitations (rare)

Increased hair in the face in 1 in 20 women who use the product

Allergy to minoxidil (very rare)

Change in texture of hair

Some individuals experience scalp itching with topical solutions. This is much less likely with foam formulations.

Women who are pregnant or who are trying to become pregnant should not use minoxidil and women with heart problems should not use minoxidil. Women who do not have a diagnosis of the cause of their hair loss should be cautious about using minoxidil. Minoxidil helps genetic hair loss (also called androgenetic alopecia). Rogaine is less effective in the other 99 causes of hair loss.

Hair Loss Treatment Pictures

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.